BART strike averted

A strike threatening to shut down the Bay Area Rapid Transit(BART) system Wednesday was called off after a contract deal was reached. BART and AFSCME Local 3993 announced a tentative settlement had been reached, providing assurance to BART's riders that uninterrupted service will continue. If made a reality, a strike could have left 300,000 commuters stranded. Under the settlement, AFSCME members will receive a cumulative increase in wages of 22% over the next four years. AFSCME represents 238 train controllers and supervisors.